Tory minister David Gauke to stand as independent and back second referendum

The former Justice Secretary said he would contest the South West Hertfordshire seat he has held since 2005, though he will no longer stand for the Conservatives.. - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

The ex-Tory Cabinet minister David Gauke has announced he will stand as an independent candidate in the upcoming General Election.

The former Justice Secretary said he would contest the South West Hertfordshire seat he has held since 2005, though he will no longer stand for the Conservatives.

Gauke also endorsed calls for a second referendum, saying there was no longer any chance of uniting the country around a “relatively soft Brexit”.

He told The Times: “I represent a form of liberal Conservatism, but the last few months have been increasingly uncomfortable.

“The principle issue of this General Election is Brexit and I think that the Conservative Party has got it badly wrong.

“The easy thing to do would be to go quietly but I feel that I have to make a stand and make the case that we are heading towards an outcome that we will deeply regret.”

Gauke was one of 21 MPs kicked out of the Tory party in September after they backed a plan to take control of the Commons timetable to pass legislation to block a no-deal Brexit.

He did not have the whip restored, and speculation over whether he would stand as an independent candidate in his seat has been rife.

The PA report that his decision – coupled with his backing of a second referendum – will put pressure on the Liberal Democrats to stand their candidate down in the constituency.